Alstahaug Church

Alstahaug Church is a stone church in Alstahaug Municipality with a rectangular nave measuring about 20 by 12.5 meters and a narrower square chancel. The building was constructed mainly from stone and local soapstone and remains in use as an active parish church today.

Construction of the church began in the 12th century and was completed around 1170, making it one of only seven medieval churches still standing in northern Norway. It remains one of the few buildings from this early medieval period that have survived in the region.

The interior features murals from the 13th century and an altarpiece created by Johan Johansen in the 1650s, showing how medieval Norwegian religious art has endured. These artworks shape the feeling of the space and tell stories of the craftsmanship passed down through generations.

The church building can accommodate about 238 people and is located in an easy-to-reach part of the Nord-Helgeland region. Keep in mind that this is an active place of worship, so it is wise to check in advance when it is available for visits.

During renovations in the 1960s, the church received an onion dome over the roof ridge, blending traditional Norwegian architecture with distinctive decorative elements. This addition gives the building a recognizable appearance that sets it apart from other churches of the same era.